A group of Labour rebel MPs could finally quit Jeremy Corbyn's party to start a new centrist force alongside Remain Tories, it was claimed today.

The MPs - thought to number around six - are frustrated at Labour's confused stance on Brexit and Mr Corbyn's handling of anti-Semitism in the party, the Observer said.

Among those said to be involved are former shadow chancellor Chris Leslie, the parliamentary chairwoman of Jewish Labour Luciana Berger and former minister Angela Smith.

As a first step, the MPs could leave Labour and sit in Parliament as independents - joining former Labour MPs Frank Field and John Woodcock.

Tories such as Anna Soubry and Heidi Allen are feared by Downing Street to be considering a similar move, the Sunday Times said, while the addition of Lib Dem politicians would be seen by many as the core of a new centrist party.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable said today his party had held talks with MPs from both main parties.

Among those said to be involved are former shadow chancellor Chris Leslie and the parliamentary chairwoman of Jewish Labour Luciana Berger (pictured together at a rally for a second referendum last month)

A Government source told the Sunday Times Labour MP Chuka Umunna had been a contact for Tories including Anna Soubry (pictured together at the Cabinet Office last month)

Mr Leslie told the Observer the rumours of a breakaway were 'speculation' but he added: 'A lot of people's patience is being tested right now.

'I think there are some questions we are all going to have to face, especially if Labour enables Brexit.'

Ms Smith was slammed Unite leader and Corbyn ally Len McCluskey for holding talks with Theresa May on passing her Brexit deal in return for cash and boosted workers' rights.

She said: 'It is outrageous that a trades union leader close to Jeremy Corbyn should be contemplating facilitating Brexit by doing deals with Theresa May in Downing Street which completely undermine the TUC and Labour party position.'

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Ms Berger told the Observer she was increasingly angry at Mr Corbyn's handling of anti-Semitism.

A Labour source last night predicted a breakaway party would be rejected by voters.

They said: 'A new party to protect the status quo will rightly be seen as an establishment stitch-up.

'Any new party set up to promote cuts, corporate control and privatisation will be strongly rejected at the polls.'

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable (pictured today on Sky News) said today his party had held talks with MPs from both main parties

A Government source told the Sunday Times Labour MP Chuka Umunna had been a contact for Tories including Sarah Wollaston, Ms Soubry and Ms Allen.

They said: 'Chuka and Soubs and the rest of them have been flirting with this for months.'

Sir Vince told Sky News's Sophy Ridge on Sunday there were members of both Labour and Tory considering quitting.

He said: 'I think when the Brexit issue is resolved they will then reconsider their position in the Labour Party.

'I can't predict exactly what will happen but I think there is a real chance of a significant group breaking away and we will work with them.'

The new round of discussion comes amid claims Britain could go to the polls on the anniversary of D-Day as Downing Street considers plans to cement Theresa May (pictured in Maidenhead today) in power

The MPs - thought to number around six - are frustrated at Labour's confused stance on Brexit and Jeremy Corbyn's (pictured in Derbyshire on Thursday) handling of anti-Semitism in the party

Rumours about a split in both major parties have been rife in Westminster for months.

The new round of discussion comes amid claims Britain could go to the polls on the anniversary of D-Day as Downing Street considers plans to cement Mrs May in power.

No 10 strategists have discussed a scenario under which the Prime Minister would delay the Article 50 Brexit process beyond the end of March, win Commons support for her deal in April – and then go to the country in the following weeks on the back of her success.

The first Thursday in June – the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Europe from the Nazis – is one option on the table, the Mail on Sunday revealed.

In a major boost for Mrs May’s Brexit strategy last night, a new poll showed the Tories have opened up a seven-point lead over Labour in the past two weeks. The Opinium survey put the Tories on 41 per cent – up four percentage points – and Labour down six to 34.